The original item was published from 3/5/2024 1:27:00 PM to 3/5/2024 1:30:09 PM.

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Posted on: March 1, 2024

[ARCHIVED] Drinking Water Safety: Service Line Inventory

The mission of the Department of Public Works is to supply safe, reliable, quality drinking water to the residents of Agawam at a reasonable cost while providing the fire flows and hydrants necessary for fire protection and affordable insurance. Our dedicated staff work every day to ensure our residents have water that meets all state and federal standards.

Historically water utilities across the United States sometimes installed lead service lines for water delivery. In 1986, a law was passed banning the use of lead in water delivery systems. Today, water agencies nationwide are conducting inventories to check for lead in their systems. These inventories comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.

To that end, we are initiating a program to ensure the Town’s water system is free of lead materials. The Department of Public Works has successfully secured a State Revolving Fund grant to cover the cost of the inventory. Securing the grant funding means there will be no expense to residents for this effort.

What's Next?

Town-wide inventory will be occurring from January - October 2024.
Visual inspections will be offered free of charge to residents and property owners only in cases where information on service materials is incomplete.
Properties built after 1986 do not need to be inspected.
DPW will contact you if a visual inspection is required.

What is a Water Service Line?

Water is delivered to your house from a water main in the street. DPW is compiling an inventory of the small diameter pipe between the water main and the water meter in your basement.

Interested in Your Service Line?

If you are interested in identifying what material your drinking water service line is made of, you can use the EPA’s Guide Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead.